Midnight - Shox Of Violence (2LP) - Smoke Vinyl

Midnight, the Cleveland-based blackened speed metal band, has returned with their highly anticipated fourth studio album, "Shox Of Violence." Known for their raw and aggressive sound, Midnight has once again delivered a relentless onslaught of headbanging riffs and venomous vocals that will leave fans of the genre craving for more.

Clocking in at just under 30 minutes, "Shox Of Violence" wastes no time in grabbing the listener's attention. The album kicks off with the blistering track "Fucking Speed and Darkness," setting the tone for what's to come. The song showcases the band's signature blend of thrashy riffs, breakneck speed, and a devilish attitude that is sure to ignite mosh pits wherever it's played.

Throughout the album, Midnight maintains their high-octane energy, never letting up on the intensity. Tracks like "Rebirth by Blasphemy" and "Escape the Grave" showcase the band's ability to seamlessly blend elements of black metal and punk, creating a unique and ferocious sound that is unmistakably their own. The guitar work is razor-sharp, with catchy hooks and memorable solos that will have fans air-guitaring along in no time.

One of the standout tracks on "Shox Of Violence" is "Warning from the Reaper." This song perfectly encapsulates Midnight's ability to create an atmosphere of darkness and evil. The haunting intro leads into a barrage of pummeling drums and aggressive riffing, while the vocals of Athenar (the band's sole member) evoke a sense of impending doom. The track is a true highlight and showcases the band's growth and maturity in their songwriting.

Lyrically, Midnight continues to explore themes of darkness, Satanism, and rebellion. While the subject matter may not be for everyone, it is an integral part of the band's identity and adds to the overall atmosphere of the album. Athenar's vocal delivery is venomous and filled with conviction, further enhancing the sinister nature of the music.

Production-wise, "Shox Of Violence" maintains the raw and gritty sound that Midnight is known for. The album has a lo-fi quality that adds to its charm, giving it an authentic and old-school feel. The mix is well-balanced, allowing each instrument to shine through without overpowering one another. This production choice perfectly complements the band's aggressive and unrelenting style.

While "Shox Of Violence" is undeniably a strong album, it does suffer from a lack of variety. The songs, while individually powerful, can start to blend together after multiple listens. This is not to say that the album lacks quality, but rather that it could benefit from a bit more diversity in terms of song structures and tempos.

In conclusion, Midnight's "Shox Of Violence" is a blistering and unapologetic assault on the senses. Fans of the band will find everything they love about Midnight in this album, from the breakneck speed to the devilish atmosphere. While it may not break new ground or offer much in terms of variety, it is a solid addition to the band's discography and a must-listen for fans of blackened speed metal. "Shox Of Violence" is a testament to Midnight's unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to deliver a sonic punch straight to the gut.